Okemos Teen Guilty, 2nd-Degree Murder

By News Ten&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Tue 2:56 PM, Oct 15, 2013&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Mon 2:37 PM, Aug 17, 2015

LANSING - The verdict is guilty for Conner McCowan. After a 2 week trial and less than 2 days of deliberations, a jury found the 19-year-old guilty of second-degree murder. McCowan faced first-degree murder charges, but a jury decided on the lesser charge.

McCowan stabbed 23-year old Andrew Singler during a fight at Singler's Meridian Township apartment in the early morning hours of February 23, 2013. Singler was dating McCowan's sister at the time. McCowan and Singler had been close friends as well. McCowan's sister, Shay, claimed she was beaten up by Singer. That is what provoked McCowan to go to Singler's apartment. However, Shay McCowan testified that the allegation that Singler had abused her was a lie.

The defense lawyer for Conner McCowan argued that the stabbing was a case of self-defense, that Singler had punched McCowan, and Conner feared for his life.

The prosecution argued that McCowan knew what he was doing when he brought a knife and used it during their altercation.

Sentencing is scheduled for November 6th. A second-degree murder charge carries with it a potential life sentence, but a judge could also sentence McCowan to several years prison time.

News 10 reported throughout the course of the trial, and was there when the verdict was read. Watch News 10 tonight at 6 P.M. for the complete report and reaction.

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